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Maria Hamilton (center) sits with Yolanda Y. Lindsay-Brown (left) and Dontre's aunt, Zendia Montgomery at Dontre Day.
Three years ago, Dontre Hamilton was shot 14 times and killed by former Milwaukee police officer Christopher Manney in Red Arrow Park on April 30. His death rocked the Hamilton family and highlighted the issue of police brutality in Milwaukee.
To mark the anniversary of Hamilton’s death, his family and community members have gathered at Red Arrow Park “planting new life every year with community programming and engagement,” according to the Coalition for Justice, an organization formed in the wake of Dontre Hamilton’s death, and led by his brother, Nate Hamilton.
“We want people to come together and remember Dontre,” said Hamilton.
This year, Hamilton’s family moved the event to All People’s Church in Harambee due to the weather. The event featured speakers, musical performances and a potluck buffet.
“It’s important to keep the memories of these young men alive,” said Doretha Lock-Davis, “and to continue to let them shine and fight for justice.”
Davis is the mother of Christopher Davis, a young black man killed by Walworth County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Ortiz on Feb. 24, 2016.
“It’s important to come to this event because it can help get your questions answered,” said Lock-Davis. “You can only get those answers by telling your story and listening to others.”
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